Libsyn Directory

EP263: Field to Table (Weekly Compass)

Release Date: 03/28/2025

EP265: The First of a Kind Koi Pond Pump - with CEO of MDM Inc, Benjamin Ashe.

The Pond Digger Podcast

Eric and Benjamin discuss the history of MDM, specifically how Benjamin's father pioneered the use of 1725 RPM motors in non-submersible pumps for koi ponds. Benjamin clarifies that his father didn't invent the motor itself but was the first to apply it to this specific application, significantly impacting the water garden industry. The conversation touches on the evolution of the market, the shift towards external pumps, and the efficiency benefits of MDM's Sequence pumps compared to submersible options. They also explore MDM's product history, current innovations like DC pumps, and future...

EP264: Behind The Curtain of EasyPro Pond Products with CEO Paul Cole

The Pond Digger Podcast

Eric chats with Paul Cole, the CEO of EasyPro, a long-established company in the water gardening and lake/pond industries that recently became 100% employee-owned. They discuss the positive impacts of this transition on employee morale, teamwork, and innovation, as well as Cole's background and his decision to lead the company. The discussion also touches on EasyPro's extensive product offerings, their renewed focus on marketing and new product development, particularly in the pond sector, and their commitment to engaging with the industry and supporting contractors. Furthermore, they...

EP263: Field to Table (Weekly Compass)

The Pond Digger Podcast

EP262: Stuck In The Mud: Forecasting Problems and Solutions with Tyson Matyas and Ron "Slayer" Yelenich

The Pond Digger Podcast

Today's podcast discussion centers on the importance of situational awareness and forecasting potential problems. Eric and his friends share personal anecdotes illustrating how a lack of awareness can lead to negative consequences, ranging from inconvenient mishaps like getting stuck to more serious safety concerns. They explore the differences in personality and how those influence preparedness and risk assessment. The conversation also touches on the value of learning from past experiences and proactively training oneself and others to anticipate challenges. Ultimately, they emphasize the...

EP261: Three Rivers 4 x 4 x 48 Challenge 2025

The Pond Digger Podcast

Eric and his friends discuss their recent attempt at a challenging multi-sport endurance event called "4x4 by 48 - 2025." They recount their initial plan for a scenic trip focused on giant trees that was thwarted by unexpected weather conditions, forcing a last-minute audible to a desert-based route spanning four states. The conversation highlights the logistical hurdles, physical demands, emotional fluctuations, and humorous moments encountered during their journey, emphasizing their teamwork and resilience in the face of unforeseen obstacles. Key Takeaways: Having a strong...

EP260: Contractor Sales Communication Through a Spy’s Eyes

The Pond Digger Podcast

Eric shares his weekly coaching call for contractors, focusing on improving their communication and sales skills. He introduces the concept of using senses and gaining perspective, drawing parallels with a spy's techniques for gathering information. Discussions cover practical applications like active listening, asking insightful questions, and adapting to different personality types during client interactions. Participants also share their recent business wins and challenges, receiving feedback and guidance from Eric. Overall, the podcast emphasizes a mindful and perceptive approach to...

EP259: Behind the Liner: Expert Insights from BTL Liner with VP Jim Nicholson

The Pond Digger Podcast

Today's episode is a candid conversation at the Water Garden Expo between Eric Triplett and Jim Nicholson from BTL Liners. Eric explores his misconceptions about BTL, initially associating them only with large-scale liner projects. Jim clarifies that while BTL is known for its large custom fabrications using reinforced polyethylene, they also cater to smaller applications and offer other liner types like EPDM. The discussion covers BTL's history, product variety including drop-in liners, installation techniques, puncture resistance comparisons between different materials, common contractor...

EP258: The Risk (Weekly Compass Call)

The Pond Digger Podcast

Unlock the contractor mindset with Eric Tripplet as he delves into the multifaceted nature of riskfor entrepreneurs, urging you to consider not just potential losses, but the risk of inaction and future regret. Drawing from personal experiences, including business ventures and even a near mountain biking accident, Eric shares a powerful perspective shift on navigating challenges and growth. Discover why focusing on your team's aspirations is just as crucial as managing financial risks, and understand the common pitfalls that lead to business failure. This episode offers a refreshing and...

EP257: The Most Interesting Pond Guy In the Room: Special Guest With John Magyar

The Pond Digger Podcast

Get ready for an incredible journey with Eric Triplett and his guest, John Magyar on today's edition of The Pond Digger Podcast! In this captivating episode, John shares his unbelievable experiences working with whale sharks at major public aquariums before diving into the world of ponds. Discover his unique "fish first" approach to pond building, emphasizing the crucial needs of aquatic life in water feature design. Gain valuable insights into the debates around filtration and the role of rock and gravel, drawing from his extensive background in both aquarium and pond environments....

EP256: To Scale or Not Scale Your Pond Business with Brian Fitzsimmons.

The Pond Digger Podcast

This live podcast recording from the Water Garden Expo 2025 features a conversation between the Eric and Brian Fitzsimmons of Pondscapes by Fitz, focusing on the topic of scaling a business. Fitzsimmons, who recently opened his ninth location, shares his experiences and insights on when and how to grow a contracting or retail business within the pond industry. The discussion touches upon his early ambitions, a pivotal career shift, and the mindset required for rapid expansion, including his perspective on risk, opportunity, and building a strong team culture. The conversation also...

More Episodes

Eric shares his business coaching session within the "Contractor Circle," focusing on themes of client communication, sales strategies, and personal growth. The participants discuss overcoming technical difficulties at the start, share personal wins related to applying coaching principles, and plan for a future intensive session on vital business questions. A significant portion of today's show explores the idiom "leaving it on the table," interpreted in a business context as not fully capitalizing on opportunities or failing to understand client needs, contrasted with "leaving it on the field," emphasizing giving maximum effort. The session also includes role-playing a difficult price increase conversation and recommendations for resources on personality profiling (DISC and Enneagram) to improve team dynamics and client interactions.

Key Takeaways:

Continue learning and growing by actively seeking new information and applying it.
Practice the power of the pause in conversations to allow for better understanding and reflection.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as they are opportunities for learning and improvement.
Share your goals with others to increase accountability and the likelihood of achieving them.
Strive to understand different communication styles to improve your interactions with others.